Bighorn sheep will be leaving ZooMontana

According to ZooMontana Executive Director Jeff Ewelt, the zoo will be removing the bighorn sheep after five years on exhibit. Ewelt says the sheep are the only animals at the zoo that are on display via a private contract. The contract will not be renewed.

Jeff Ewelt says the exhibit was "never a perfect space" for the bighorn sheep. He says the space will be better utilized for an animal like a "unique carnivore," which Ewelt says is more in tune with the zoo's "master plan."

ZooMontana will soon be welcoming two wolverines. The zoo is also planning a bison exhibit set for debut in 2017.